Angela Carini, the Italian Olympic boxer who made headlines after quitting her bout against Imane Khelif at Paris 2024, has opened up about the severe abuse and harassment she has endured since that moment.

The 26-year-old fighter’s decision to concede after just 46 seconds in the ring shocked the boxing world and ignited a fierce debate about gender policies in sport.

Now, Carini reveals how the relentless negativity has “destroyed her career” and likens the emotional wounds to an “infected wound that bleeds and hurts.”

The bout between Carini and Khelif was one of the most talked-about events at the Paris Olympics.

Carini took two heavy blows to the head early on and, fearing for her safety, dramatically conceded the fight.

Overcome with emotion, she broke down crying inside the ring and again in the mixed zone.

She later explained that she had never experienced punches like Khelif’s and that the pain made it impossible for her to continue.

“I had to safeguard my life,” Carini said, highlighting the intense physical and psychological pressure she endured.

Carini’s decision to quit thrust her into the eye of a storm that went beyond sport, touching on the controversial gender policies that dominated the 2024 Olympics.

Both Imane Khelif and Lin Yu Ting, another female boxer from Taiwan, had previously been disqualified from the International Boxing Association (IBA) World Championships in 2023 for allegedly failing gender tests.

However, under the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) sex eligibility rules, both were allowed to compete at the Olympics and ultimately won gold medals, which further fueled debates and polarized opinions worldwide.

In the months following the match, Carini withdrew from the public eye to “rebuild” herself amid the backlash.

She shared screenshots of the vile messages she received on social media, where she was called a “coward,” labeled “the shame of the Italy team,” and told never to compete at the Olympics again.

The vitriol was relentless, and Carini bravely spoke out about the mental toll it took on her.

In a poignant voiceover posted on social media, Carini reflected on the cruelty she faced: “Have you ever wondered how hard it was for me to face these words? What I had to endure day after day? What I had to face in my silence, while preserving my health from a stupid social network, from people who speak and say words without thinking twice?” She emphasized how for many, the hurtful words were just “a sentence, a word, just fun, just wanting to follow the crowd,” but for her, the past incident left deep wounds that she continues to struggle with.

“That past that marked my life.

That past that left wounds inside me that I try to heal day after day, but like an infected wound, it bleeds and hurts,” Carini said.

“That past that changed and destroyed my career, built year after year with sacrifices, dedication, tenacity, and a lot of passion.

.

.

That career that is underestimated and belittled by those who preferred to have a laugh for a few moments, preferred to throw the stone.”

Despite the emotional and professional setbacks, Carini demonstrated remarkable resilience.

After taking time away from competition to focus on her mental health and family, she made a triumphant return to the ring in December.

Since then, she has won three bouts and reclaimed the Italian championship title for the eighth time, proving her enduring skill and determination.

In May, she further cemented her comeback by securing the World Boxing Cup gold medal in Poland.

Carini’s story is a powerful reminder of the human cost behind public controversies and the impact of online harassment.

She has urged those who engage in hateful behavior to consider the damage their words can cause, especially in the digital age where social media amplifies cruelty and misunderstanding.

“Putting all the disappointment aside, I got back into that ring, reconfirming myself as Italian champion and bringing home medals from important international tournaments,” she said.

“Getting back into that ring was a tough challenge,” Carini admitted.

“These words of mine will not change the world, I will not make people become kinder.

But at least I invite everyone to reflect.

.

.

a word, a gesture, a command can hurt and destroy a person.”

Her candidness and courage have sparked conversations about athlete welfare, gender policies in sport, and the responsibility of fans and the media to treat competitors with respect and empathy.

Carini’s journey highlights the importance of mental health support for athletes facing public scrutiny and the need for a more compassionate sporting culture.

The boxing world and broader sports community continue to watch Carini’s career with admiration and hope.

Her ability to overcome adversity and reclaim her place at the top of Italian boxing is a testament to her strength and passion for the sport.

As discussions around gender eligibility and fairness in competition evolve, Carini’s experience serves as a crucial human perspective amid complex policy debates.

In conclusion, Angela Carini’s story transcends boxing.

It is a narrative about resilience in the face of cruelty, the power of self-recovery, and the ongoing struggle to balance personal dignity with public expectations.

Her message resonates far beyond the ring: words matter, and behind every athlete is a person deserving of respect and understanding.